Stalking or Harassment
What is Stalking and Harassment
Stalking
A pattern of unwanted, fixated and obsessive behaviour which is intrusive. It can include harassment that amounts to stalking, or stalking that causes fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.
Stalking can consist of any type of behaviour such as regularly sending flowers or gifts, making unwanted or malicious communication, damaging property and physical or sexual assault. If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, distress or anxiety then it is stalking and you should not have to live with it.
Further info: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/appref/Stalking-or-harassment-advice-for-investigators.pdf
Harassment
Harassment is unwanted behaviour which the individual subjected to such behaviour finds offensive or which makes them feel intimidated or humiliated. It can happen on its own or alongside other forms of discrimination. It’s harassment if the unwanted behaviour has happened more than once.
Harassment could be:
- bullying at school or in the workplace
- cyber stalking (using the internet to harass someone)
- antisocial behaviour
- sending abusive text messages
- sending unwanted gifts
- unwanted phone calls, letters, emails or visits
A victim of harassment does not need to have previously objected to something for it to be unwanted. If someone behaves in a way which makes an individual feel distressed, intimidated or offended and the behaviour is of a sexual nature, this is called sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is unlawful, as a form of discrimination, under the Equality Act 2010.
Further info: https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/sh/stalking-harassment/what-is-stalking-harassment
The Difference between Stalking and Harassment
Stalking – a fixation on the individual, may present as multiple issues with the person, but at the core is the about the victim.
Harassment – about a specific issue, if the issue wasn’t there the contact would stop.
Online stalking and harassment
Social networking sites, chat rooms, gaming sites and other forums are often used to stalk and harass someone, for example:
- to get personal information
- to communicate (calls, texts, emails, social media, creating fake accounts)
- damaging the reputation
- spamming and sending viruses
- tricking other internet users into harassing or threatening
- identity theft
- threats to share private information, photographs, copies of messages
Further info: https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/sh/stalking-harassment/what-is-stalking-harassment/
Further info: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/college-of-policing/Stalking-and-Harassment-2020.pdf
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
In accordance with the ‘College of Policing – Advice to police responders to ensure an effective response to reports of stalking or harassment’ the primary task of the first responder is to make people safe. The below flowchart advises on the steps which should be taken:
Consider asking these stalking screening questions:
Are you frightened?
Consider age as a factor here. Anyone under the age of 25 is likely to not recognise fear in the same way that adults do. They may be dismissive of what is happening and may not understand the full risk the suspect poses or be aware of other risk factors.
Are you worried about your safety?
Has the suspect previously stalked or harassed you?
Does the suspect repeatedly visit you at work, home etc, more than three times a week?
Has the suspect made any threats of physical or sexual violence towards you in the current stalking/harassment incident?
Has the suspect loitered around your home/workplace etc?
Has the suspect ever destroyed or vandalised your property?
Has the suspect given any threats of harm or violence?
How have you responded to the suspect?
What is the duration of this behaviour?
Is the victim fearful of serious harm or death?
Is there a clear, significant escalation of the behaviour of the stalker?
More info on screening questions: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/college-of-policing/Stalking-and-Harassment-2020.pdf
Assist
The College of Policing guidance lists the following actions which should be taken once stalking or harassment has been reported:
You can click the 'College of Policing Guidance' Link above which provides further details on all the below points if required
Reassure the person that they have a right to feel safe in their home and workplace
What initial action should I take?
- Early identification and intervention
- Use professional curiosity
- Understand the wider behaviour
- Consider mental ill health- is the suspect mentally unwell and does that affect their behaviour? If so, in what way? This should not hinder the investigation, and will inform risk management and the decision-making process concerning the suspect.
- Safeguard the victim
- Gather appropriate evidence
- Consider eligibility for enhanced services
- Check wider sources of information
- Is there previous stalking/obsessive type behaviour recorded on systems?
- Are there any recorded mental health issues in relation to the suspect – Consider contacting Liaison and Diversion in relation to the suspects mental health status.
- Are there any suggestions that there is last resort thinking by the suspect? (For e.g. 'If I can't have you, no one can')
Preventing further offending and harm
- Look for where the perpetrator has opportunities to stalk or harass the victim and put preventative measures into action
- Officers should discuss and develop and appropriate risk management plan with the victim
- Ensure any safeguarding activity does not further isolate the victim
- Any activity to mediate between parties needs careful consideration and may be wholly inappropriate.
Online Stalking or Harassment
It is highly likely that there will be online behaviours connected to the stalking or harassment, for example hacking into a victim’s social media, email or other online accounts, placing tracking or monitoring software onto cars, phones or other devices, etc.
Digital safety advice for victims might include:
- Check for spyware, malware apps or tracking devices. Consider speaking to phone provider services for assistance
- Provide the victim with a digital safety advice hand-out and link to Get Safe Online
- Ensure or adjust privacy settings and change passwords
- Remove geotagging facilities and ask friends not to tag them on social media
- Keep shared information safe
- Do not reveal addresses, phone numbers and ask friends to do the same
- Avoid discussing the suspect online or with anyone who might pass on information
- Do not reveal personal information you do not want the suspect to know eg, new relationship, job, etc
- Create random passwords
Further info: https://library.college.police.uk/docs/college-of-policing/Stalking-and-Harassment-2020.pdf
Act
If you need to report an incident of stalking contact 101. Report it as early as possible to the police and tell others what is happening. If you are in danger dial 999.
National Stalking Helpline- Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice on risk, safety planning and legislation to victims of stalking, their friends, family, and professionals working with victims.
If you contact the helpline via their online form, a Helpline Advisor will respond to you by email. They endeavour to respond to all online contact as soon as possible. If you need advice quickly, call the helpline.
Telephone: 0808 802 0300
Online Form: National Stalking Helpline Enquiry Form | Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Website: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/stalking-help-and-advice
Paladin
Paladin provides a high level of advocacy to anyone at risk of serious harm or homicide from a stalker. They give initial advice and offer to complete a detailed assessment to anyone who calls their service and is affected by stalking.
Telephone: 020 3866 4107
Website: https://www.paladinservice.co.uk/
Protection Against Stalking- PAS
Protection Against Stalking is a national charity working within communities to raise public awareness about stalking and support victims of stalking through providing specialist support services. If you believe you are being stalked, but not in immediate danger, contact them.
Email: support@protectionagainststalking.org
Website: https://www.protectionagainststalking.org/
Citizen's Advice
Citizen’s advice can provide advice on your legal rights if you think you could be experiencing sexual harassment at work.
Telephone: 0800 144 8848
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
Revenge Porn Helpline
A UK service supporting adults (aged 18+) who are experiencing intimate image abuse, also known as, revenge porn. The helpline was established in 2015 alongside the legislation which made it an offence to share intimate images or videos of someone, either on or offline, without their consent with the intention of causing distress. The helpline can assist you with: Non-judgemental and confidential advice, reporting and removal of content, social media advice, reporting to the police and legal advice.
Telephone: 0345 6000 459 – Monday to Friday 10am-4pm
Email: help@revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Website: https://revengepornhelpline.org.uk/
Rights of Women- helping women through their rights in law
They give free legal advice and information to women in England and Wales on a wide range of issues including domestic violence, child contact, sexual violence and the criminal justice process, immigration and asylum, sexual harassment at work as well as other legal issues arising from relationship breakdown.
Telephone: 020 7490 0152 – Monday 3pm-5pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 6pm-8pm
Website: Sexual harassment at work - Rights of WomenRights of Women
Victim Support
If you’re experiencing persistent and unwanted attention, and the behaviour is making you feel fearful, harassed, or anxious, then you are a victim of stalking. It’s not something that you should have to live with, and they are here to help you. Victim support are an independent charity, and you can contact them regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place.
Telephone: National 0808 1689 111- 24 Hours
Devon and Cornwall: 0300 3030 554 Mon-Fri 12pm-6pm
Website: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/
Respect
Respect phoneline is a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information, and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner of either sex.
Telephone: 0808 802 4040
Website: respectphoneline.org.uk
Men's Advice Line
A confidential helpline, run by Respect, for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members). Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of their children).
Telephone: 0808 801 0327
Website: http://www.mensadviceline.org.uk/
The Cyber Helpline
To ensure everyone in the UK has immediate access to expert, cybersecurity help when they need it. The Cyber Helpline is a movement by the cyber security community to step in and fill the gap in support for victims of cybercrime and online harms. They provide a free, confidential helpline for individuals and sole traders. They help victims understand, contain, recover and learn from cyber-attacks by linking them with cyber security technology & experts who provide relevant advice and guidance.
Online Form: CONTACT — The Cyber Helpline
Online Chat: Get Help — The Cyber Helpline
Website: The Cyber Helpline
Technology Safety - A Toolkit for Survivors
Resources on this website explore technology in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and violence against women. To talk to someone who can answer your questions and support you, you can call the National Domestic Abuse helpline. Information includes:
- Safety tips, information, and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology
- Spyware and Stalkerware information
- Smartphones - Increasing privacy & responding to abuse
- Tips on being webwise when sharing personal information online
Website: https://www.techsafety.org/resources-survivors
StreetSafe
StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously report about public places where people have felt or feel unsafe, because of environmental issues, eg street lighting, abandoned buildings or vandalism and/or because of some behaviours, eg being followed or verbally abused.
Please note: 'StreetSafe' is not for reporting crime or incidents.
Local Support and Contact Details
If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.
Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:
- a text, answer phone message, letter or email
- a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
- standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
- an act of violence
- damage to someone else’s property
- maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing
First Light
First Light is a charity providing Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support for all, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. You don't need to have reported to the police to access their services. Their website also provides useful information, advice and support, if you have experienced rape or sexual assault both recently and in the past.
Telephone: 03458 12 12 12 - Sexual Violence Recovery Service Helpline
For Domestic Abuse call 0300 7774777 open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm
Email: info@firstlight.org.uk
Website: First Light – First Light
Referral Method: Self-referral
Cornwall Refuge trust
Cornwall Refuge Trust provides refuge accommodation for women, men and children who have escaped domestic abuse, offering them a safe and supportive environment in which to recover from their experiences.
Telephone: 01872 225629 24-hour helpline & office hours 01872 277814
Opening hours: Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Web Contact: Contact Form
Website: https://www.cornwallrefugetrust.co.uk/
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
The Women’s Centre Cornwall
Run by women for women, with the aim of empowering and enabling all women and girls to gain the health, well-being, confidence, and skills they need to achieve their potential. They provide a safe, caring and supportive environment where women can access support and services to achieve this.
Telephone: Main Office 01208 76466 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) and Rape and Sexual Abuse & Domestic Abuse Helpline 01208 77099
Opening Hours: Helpline- Monday-Friday 10am-1pm, Monday and Thursday, evenings 6pm-9pm and Saturday mornings 10am-1pm
Email: Support1@womenscentrecornwall.org.uk
Website: www.womenscentrecornwall.org.uk
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
West Cornwall Women’s Aid - WCWAid
West Cornwall Women's Aid supports women and children at risk in Cornwall. The services offered aim to give women and children a safe space, where they can relax and rebuild. They provide accommodation, support and information to women who are in abusive relationships.
Telephone: 01736 367539 10am-3pm helpline opening hours
Email: support@wcwaid.co.uk
Website: https://wcwaid.co.uk
Address: West Cornwall Women’s Aid, PO Box 94, Penzance, TR182XP
Referral Method: Self-referral, via family/ friends or via professional
Norda House
Supporting male victims of domestic abuse who have left or are leaving abusive relationships, they provide safe accommodation for men and their children in their male refuge in Cornwall. They also have a separate self-contained unit which maybe suitable for Trans victims who may not feel comfortable in the main refuge, or possibly couples fleeing honour-based violence.
Telephone: 01872 225629 (24/7) and office hours 01872 229826 or 01872 229827
Email: mr@cornwallrefuge.org
Website: https://nordahouse.org
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.
Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:
- a text, answer phone message, letter or email
- a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
- standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
- an act of violence
- damage to someone else’s property
- maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing
FearLess
Formerly Splitz, FearLess supports people dealing with domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for over 25 years. They offer 1-to-1 victim support for adults, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse and 1-to-1 support for perpetrators.
Telephone: 0345 155 1074
Email: For clients or those who do not use secure emails: admin.devon@fear-less.org.uk
For professionals using a secure email address: referrals.devon@fear-less.org.uk.cjsm.net
Website: Fear-less - Devon
Address: 1st Floor, Buckland House, Pavilion 3, Park 5 Business Centre, Harrier Way, Exeter, EX2 7HU
Referral Method: Self referral or via professional
SAFE Foundation
A trauma informed service that supports people experiencing domestic abuse. They deliver a range of therapeutic programmes and support adults and children experiencing difficulties in life. Their community-based therapeutic programmes are delivered through a range of interventions from individual and group counselling to organisational guidance, training and workshops.
Telephone: 03030 300 112
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (all appointments must be pre-booked with counsellors in advance)
Email: intake@wearesafe.org.uk
Website: SAFE Foundation (wearesafe.org.uk)
Address: 1 Alba Court, Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.
Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:
- a text, answer phone message, letter or email
- a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
- standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
- an act of violence
- damage to someone else’s property
- maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing
Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)
At PDAS, they provide practical, non-judgemental support, advice and protection for all victims of domestic abuse, stalking or harassment.
Telephone: 0800 458 2558
Refuge Telephone: 01752 562 286 (9am to 5pm)
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8am-5pm and Weds 8am- 8pm
Drop in: Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm but please call first to ensure someone is there to see you
Email: pdas@sanctuary-housing.co.uk
Address: Palace Street, Plymouth, PL1
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Ahimsa
Ahimsa provides a specialist programme for perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse, including stalking or harassment. The service is available to any adult who is wanting to change their abusive behaviour and is interested and able to engage in the programme. They also support the partners and ex-partners of those who are on the programme, providing them with emotional support, information and safety advice.
Telephone: 01752 213535 or 07851 192 660
Opening hours: 9am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & 9am- 2pm Thursday and Friday
Email: enquiries@ahimsa.org.uk
Website: Ahimsa. Supporting non-violent and loving relationships – Plymouth
Address: 16 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
If you are being harassed in a pub, club or bar, you can approach the staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. Staff will help you leave the situation safely and securely.
Harassment and stalking are often used as interchangeable terms. However, they relate to similar but different offences that can cause victims, their families and loved ones physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Offenders can stalk or harass their victims in a number of different ways, including:
- a text, answer phone message, letter or email
- a comment or threat in person or online (e.g. social media or online chat rooms)
- standing outside someone’s house or driving past it
- an act of violence
- damage to someone else’s property
- maliciously and falsely reporting someone to the police without any wrongdoing
Torbay Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS) *Torbay Only*
Providing confidential, non-judgemental support, advice and protection, for all victims of domestic abuse. TDAS helps people to make informed choices about their safety, health, housing and other identified needs. They provide support whether people wish to leave relationships, stay or have left. They can provide one-to-one and group support sessions, and safe refuge houses. You have the right to feel safe.
Telephone: 0800 916 1474, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Email: TDAS.service@sanctuary.co.uk
Website: www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/tdas
Address: Woodview House, Torbay Business Park, Woodview Road, Paignton, TQ4 7HP
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
FearLess
Formerly Splitz, FearLess supports people dealing with domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking for over 25 years. They offer 1-to-1 victim support for adults, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse and 1-to-1 support for perpetrators.
Telephone: 0345 155 1074
Email: For clients or those who do not use secure emails: admin.devon@fear-less.org.uk
For professionals using a secure email address: referrals.devon@fear-less.org.uk.cjsm.net
Website: Fear-less - Devon
Address: 1st Floor, Buckland House, Pavilion 3, Park 5 Business Centre, Harrier Way, Exeter, EX2 7HU
Referral Method: Self referral or via professional
SAFE Foundation
A trauma informed service that supports people experiencing domestic abuse. They deliver a range of therapeutic programmes and support adults and children experiencing difficulties in life. Their community-based therapeutic programmes are delivered through a range of interventions from individual and group counselling to organisational guidance, training and workshops.
Telephone: 03030 300 112
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (all appointments must be pre-booked with counsellors in advance)
Email: intake@wearesafe.org.uk
Website: SAFE Foundation (wearesafe.org.uk)
Address: 1 Alba Court, Emperor Way, Exeter, EX1 3QS
Referral Method: Self-referral or via professional
Ladies Lounge
This service supports vulnerable women in the Torbay area, who have been affected by the trauma of domestic abuse and are in need of emotional support, advice and information. To register your interest, please contact this service first to join one of their groups.
Telephone: 078951 55965
Opening Hours: Currently meet twice a week Monday 10:30am until 1pm and Wednesday 2pm until 4pm
Email: ladies.lounge58@gmail.com
Website: Ladies Lounge – Supporting vulnerable women in Torbay (ladies-lounge.co.uk)
Address: The Youth Basement, Upton Vale Baptist Church, TQ1 3HY
Referral Method: Self-referral